If you're visiting the UK for the first time read this post.
I always recommend a minimum of three nights in London and three nights in Edinburgh. Getting around the UK is easy and there is a lot to take in.
Sections
7
London
York
Brighton
North of England
Day Trips From London
Must Try Food & Drink (UK)
London
London is very overwhelming, but there are my recommendations for the must see and do attractions in the city. Realistically I'd say you need a minimum of three nights.
Enjoy a luxury afternoon tea right next to Buckingham Palace.
The Rubens at the Palace, Luxury Buckingham Palace Hotel
Allow a full day to experience the studios fully. Pre-book your tickets well in advance. Halloween is a great time 🎃
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Dark history but very insightful! Situated in the city centre near to Brick Lane
Jack The Ripper Museum | Historical Museum | London, England
Good for people watching and seeing the iconic London red buses go past.
Trafalgar Square
Dinosaur fans will love this place. Excellent gift shop too. Entrance is free.
Natural History Museum
Steeped in history, look out for the famous British Beef Eaters in their uniform. Allow at least 2 hours inside.
The Tower of London
Incredible bagels at the start of Brick Lane. Don't be put off by the large lines especially at the weekend. It goes quickly!
Brick Lane Beigel Bake | London's 24/7 Bagel Shop | Order Now!
Royal family fans will enjoy this place. They have exhibitions on most of the year. Princess Diana's dresses are worth seeing!
Kensington Palace
Iconically London, right in the heart of the city. Look for the tomb of Florence Nightingale.
St Paul's Cathedral
Usually at the end of August each year. Colourful, live music, food stalls and culture through Notting hill area.
Notting Hill Carnival
Centrally located area to stay in London.
The best hotels in Hyde Park, London, United Kingdom - Booking.com
The easiest way to get around London. Pay as you go (paying only for the journeys you make) is the easiest way to pay for travel in London.
Tube - Transport for London
Perfect for a rainy day activity. The National Gallery is home to paintings by Renoir, Van Gogh and Cezanne. Admission is free.
The National Gallery
York
Steeped in history, York is very walkable and I would recommend a visit as a solo female traveller. Allow two nights to fully explore.
Exceptional service, great selection of teas and cakes for a traditional afternoon tea. I can also recommend their breakfast menu.
Bettys York
The beating heart of York, beautiful inside and out. Climb the 275 steps for views across the city.
York Minster
Interactive, great for kids and of course history lovers. Enjoyed the glass floors looking down at the archaeological sites.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Free entry with lots to see! Get a hit of nostalgia from their vintage trains and cars. Need at least an hour to see it all.
National Railway Museum
Brighton
Quintessential British Seaside fun. Views out to see and the arcades are fun for some old school nostalgia.
Brighton Palace Pier
Unusual architecture, beautiful gardens and interesting history inside.
Brighton Pavilion
Quirky area with lots of arty shops, vintage clothing & music shops and cafes.
The Lanes Hotel
The best for some warming 🍜
7 Places To Get A Heart-Warming Bowl Of Ramen In Brighton
The easiest way to book train travel in the UK. Their app has live train times. You buy digital tickets via their website.
Brighton's Pride is the UK most vibrant and popular festival. It will run from 2-3rd August 2025
Brighton Pride
North of England
Northumberland coast and smaller towns. Perfect if hiring a car 🚗
Great place to see some of the Harry Potter filming locations (films 1&2). Can explore inside on a guided tour. Nice restaurant on site.
Alnwick Castle
One of the largest second hand bookstores in the UK.
Barter Books
Must visit The Poison Garden! Check their social media for unique events.
The Alnwick Garden
Incredible castle by the sea, beautiful furnishings and rich history.
Bamburgh Castle
Coastal town with great food. Historical connections to Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Visit Whitby | Whitby Accommodation, …
Vintage open air museum. Showcasing transport, fashions and way of live. Can get a vintage 1950's hair pin up appointment in their salon.
Beamish Museum
Cast iron statue on the main road. Nice for a stop off if driving north to Scotland.
The history of the Angel of the North - Gateshead Council
Originally built in 1093. The impressive structure took 40 years to complete. You can visit inside and climb up the stairs for views across Durham.
Durham Cathedral Shop
Day Trips From London
Doable day trips and tours from the centre of London
One of the largest castles in the world. A favourite with our UK Royal family.
Windsor Castle
World famous university. Beautiful town to explore. Easy to travel by train from London.
University of Cambridge
Home of the Tudors and the well known Henry the 8th. Marvel inside and out. Tickets should be pre-booked before you travel. Accessible by train from London
Hampton Court Palace
Discover the Georgian era city of Bath with a guided tour. If you're a Bridgerton fan you'll love the regency style there.
City of Bath Guides
Must Try Food & Drink (UK)
Enjoy Afternoon from London's Shard, great views across the city with a glass of fizz.
Skyline Afternoon Tea at TĪNG - The Shard
Seek out the freshest fish & chips from the seaside town of Whitby.
Whitby Fish and Chips, Find the Best Fish and Chips in Whitby
Rick Steins seafood restaurant offer the freshest catch you can find. A treat yourself meal.
The Seafood Restaurant
A regional dish front he East Coast of Scotland. "Smokies" are smoked haddock from the town of Arbroath. Look out for these on a menu or buy some locally from Arbroath itself.
Arbroath Smokies | Buy Arbroath Smokies Smoked …
Try their oversized Yorkshire pudding filled with roast beef & gravy.
Food - The York Roast Co
Scotland is famous for its Whisky and top quality single malts.
The 13 Best Scotch Whiskies to Drink - Liquor.com
A very authentic summer dessert in the UK
Eton Mess | How to make Eton Mess, a traditional British …
Transport
UK's easiest way to book and pay for train travel.
